Ilex crenata 'Stokes' 60-65 CM BALL

Description and Characteristics

Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is a slow-growing, dense evergreen shrub ideal for shaping into formal topiary balls, hedges, and low architectural forms. Known for its tiny, box-like, glossy green leaves, this cultivar is a highly regarded alternative to Buxus sempervirens (boxwood) due to its excellent resistance to box blight and box tree moth.

This 60–65 cm diameter topiary ball form is a mature, statement specimen—perfect for formal gardens, container displays, or entranceways. The evergreen foliage maintains its colour year-round, and the naturally compact habit makes it easy to maintain with light pruning.

Although small white flowers may appear in late spring and black berries on female plants (if pollinated), 'Stokes' is primarily valued for its foliage and shape. It offers excellent formality, structure, and design versatility.

• Evergreen shrub with tiny, dark green, glossy foliage

• Supplied as a 60–65 cm topiary ball—ideal for instant architectural impact

• Dense, rounded habit with minimal pruning required

• Excellent for container planting, formal borders, or pathway framing

• Highly resistant to common Buxus pests and diseases

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is a low-maintenance and highly adaptable shrub, thriving in a range of conditions when planted in appropriate soil. It’s perfect for topiary displays and structured gardens.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun to partial shade

  • Tolerates shade better than many evergreens

  • Foliage retains rich green colour in all but deep shade

• Soil Preferences:

  • Requires moist but well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil

  • Will not thrive in alkaline (chalky) soils

  • In containers, use peat-free ericaceous compost for best results

• Watering Needs:

  • Keep soil evenly moist, especially during the first year

  • In containers, water regularly—do not allow root ball to dry out completely

  • Avoid waterlogging; ensure pots have proper drainage

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with an ericaceous fertiliser or slow-release shrub feed

  • In containers, feed again mid-season to maintain vigour

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Trim 2–3 times a year to maintain the spherical shape

  • Use sharp shears and cut lightly to preserve foliage density

  • Remove any reverted or overly vigorous shoots that disrupt form

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9 (RHS H5)

  • Withstands cold winters and frost across the UK and Ireland

  • In exposed sites, mulch around the base and shelter from drying winds

Garden Uses, Display Tips, and Companion Plants

Ilex crenata 'Stokes' in ball form offers year-round structure, evergreen texture, and a clean, formal silhouette. It is a go-to plant for designers creating symmetrical, minimalist, or classic garden schemes.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for flanking doorways, gates, or pathways

  • Use in pairs or rows for symmetry and repetition

  • Perfect for knot gardens, parterre layouts, or Japanese-style gardens

• Container Display Tips:

  • Plant in terracotta, stone, or modern planters for a high-end look

  • Combine with trailing plants like ivy for seasonal interest

  • Refresh compost and feed annually for container-grown specimens

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Camellia, Pieris, Azalea, and Hydrangea in acidic beds

  • Complements lavender, ornamental grasses, or box-shaped Euonymus

  • Works beautifully with low groundcovers like Thymus or Ajuga

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Resistant to box blight and box tree moth

  • Rarely affected by pests—generally trouble-free

  • In alkaline soils, may show chlorosis (yellowing)—correct with iron feed or acidic mulch

• Size
  60-65 CM BALL C40

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.